Y O U V O T E D. W E TA BU L AT E D. Y O U R 2 018 B E S T OF T U L S A W INNE RS.
Thank you, Tulsa!
One-of-a-kind experiences await you Endless gaming excitement Two casinos under one roof– River Spirit® & Margaritaville®
Fine-dining excellence
The only Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Oklahoma
Beautiful river views Luxurious resort hotel
Caribbean-style pool Soak up some sun
®
Luxurious Spa & Salon
Pamper yourself in our relaxing retreat
Awesome live music
5 o’Clock Somewhere® Bar, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville®, Paradise Cove Theater
8330 RIVERSIDE PARKWAY TULSA , OK 74137 888-748-3731 • RIVERSPIRIT TULSA .COM
PROUD RECIPIENT OF
THANK YOU, TULSA! DILLY DINER THE DUST BOWL
ELGIN PARK EL GUAPO’S
FASSLER HALL MCNELLIE’S
THE TAVERN YOKOZUNA
V I S I T M C N E L L I E S G R O U P. C O M F O R A F U L L L I S T O F L O C AT I O N S
THE TULSA VOICE IS PUBLISHED BY
PUBLISHER Jim Langdon EDITOR Liz Blood CONTRIBUTING EDITORS John Langdon, Cassidy McCants
1603 S. Boulder Ave. Tulsa, OK 74119 P: 918.585.9924 F: 918.585.9926 ©2018. All rights reserved.
ART DIRECTOR Madeline Crawford GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Georgia Brooks, Morgan Welch
INFORMATION ON NOMINATING AND VOTING: The Tulsa Voice readers are responsible for the nominating and voting for the Best of Tulsa awards. After annual nominations in January, the top five most-nominated entities move on to our final ballot. Voting ended February 28. The top three choices in all categories are presented here. Cover mural “Endless Pastabilities” (completed May 14, 2017) by Best Visual Artist winner Sarah Sullivan, located at the Gateway building, 823 East First Street
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THANK YOU TULSA!
THE TULSA VOICE
BEST OF TULSA READERS’ CHOICE 2016
BEST OF TULSA
BEST LOCAL GIFT
READERS’ CHOICE 2017
THANK YOU TULSA! VOTED BEST LARGE MUSIC VENUE
BEST ALL-AGES VENUE BEST PLACE FOR LIVE LOCAL MUSIC BEST PLACE TO DANCE
SU 11am-6pm • TU-W 11am-8pm • TH 11am-9pm • F-SA 11am-11pm
208 A N MAIN ST • 918.398.6700 4 BEST OF TULSA 2018
C H E C K O U T T H E U P C O M I N G C O N C E R T C A L E N DA R AT
CAINSBALLROOM.COM
Thank you, Tulsa!
COFFEE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET
KILKENNY’S IRISH PUB BEST SERVICE FINALISTS: Bull in the Alley, The Tavern
BEST BLOODY MARY
BEST LATE-NIGHT DINING
FINALISTS: McNellie’s Public House, SMOKE. on Cherry Street
FINALISTS: Tacos Don Francisco, Phat Philly’s
Kilkenny’s is midtown’s Emerald Isle, and the pub has one of the most extensive and consistent menus in town—plus rotating special monthly menus. The servers and bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, and many of them have been there for years. Their drink menu features at least 12 Guinness concoctions, including the Bee Sting (Ketel orange vodka), the Blue Velvet (Angry Orchard cider, Fonseca ruby port), and the award-winning Guinness Bloody Mary, which pairs perfectly with a breakfast boxty or benedict. It’s also the place to go for a late-night snack—they have deals every night after 10 p.m. 1413 E. 15th St. | tulsairishpub.com
BEST BAR FOOD FINALISTS: Elgin Park, Fassler Hall
BEST SPOT FOR DAY DRINKING
BEST BEER SELECTION
FINALISTS: Fassler Hall, Hodges Bend
FINALISTS: Roosevelt’s, Prairie Brewpub
It’s commonly believed in Ireland that you can’t beat pub food, and McNellie’s makes that the truth in Tulsa, too. As well as traditional pub fare like fish and chips, cottage pie, and chicken curry, you’ll find menu items to please any picky eater. From chips and queso to sweet potato fries to damn good burgers, McNellie’s is the best place to pair a drink—from an extensive 300+ beer list—with a meal. Be advised: It’s just $4 for a burger and fries every Wednesday night. 409 E. 1st St. and 7031 S. Zurich Ave. | mcnellies.com
BEST CHEF BEN ALEXANDER – THE TAVERN, BULL IN THE ALLEY FINALISTS: Roque Heidler – The Chalkboard, Trevor Tack – McNellie’s Group
BEST COFFEE SHOP
BEST FARMERS MARKET
BEST FOOD TRUCK
COFFEE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET
CHERRY STREET FARMERS MARKET
LONE WOLF BANH MI
FINALISTS: Shades of Brown, Topeca Coffee
FINALISTS: Rose District Farmers Market, Bixby Farmers Market
BEST BAKERY
ANTOINETTE BAKING CO. CHERRY STREET FARMERS MARKET TACOS DON FRANCISCO
FINALISTS: Ann’s Bakery, Merritt’s Bakery
BEST GROCERY STORE
BEST SANDWICH BEST BARISTA
RACHEL WEBB – THE GYPSY COFFEE HOUSE FINALISTS: Andrew Jolly – DoubleShot Coffee Company, Devin Parham – Topeca Coffee
REASOR’S FOODS FINALISTS: Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s
FINALISTS: Andolini’s Pizzeria, Mr. Nice Guys
BEST TACOS
TACOS DON FRANCISCO FINALISTS: Elote Cafe & Catering, Torchy’s Tacos
PHAT PHILLY’S – PHAT PHILLY’S CHEESESTEAK FINALISTS: Lassalle’s New Orleans Deli – Po Boy, Lone Wolf Banh Mi – Banh Mi
BEST CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
THE BROTHERS HOULIGAN FINALISTS: Charleston’s, The Brook Restaurant & Bar
COFFEE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET: MICHELLE POLLARD; REASORS, TACOS DON FRANCISCO, MCNELLIES: VALERIE GRANT; KILKENNY’S: GREG BOLLINGER
REASOR’S FOODS
BEST BRUNCH FINALISTS: Dilly Diner, SMOKE. on Cherry Street
MCNELLIE’S PUBLIC HOUSE
Voted Best Coffeehouse!
Thank you for voting us
Best Italian!
SPECIALTY COFFEE & BAKERY • Local roaster •
Local farm fresh foods Breakfast | Lunch Pies, Cakes, Cookies, Muffins & More
Baked Fresh Daily Since 1969 the Aloisio family has served family recipes from Napoli and Abruzzi Italy. Come and enjoy our home cooking paired with fine wine and crafted beers. Full service bar. CALL FOR RESERVATIONS & CARRY OUT 918.561.6300 • 3410 S. Peoria Ave.
Private event venue Custom Orders & Specialty Baking for gluten free, vegan, and regular folks, too! 1502 E. 15th St. (918) 779-6137 thecoffeehouseoncherrystreet.com
Thank you, tulsa, for voting us best BBQ four years in a row! BEST OF TULSA READERS’ CHOICE 2017
THE TULSA VOICE
BEST OF TULSA READERS’ CHOICE 2016
1738 S. Boston Ave. | www.BurnBBQ.com | BEST OF TULSA 2018 7
BEST PIZZA
BEST CHINESE
BEST KOREAN
BEST VIETNAMESE
ANDOLINI’S PIZZERIA
P.F. CHANG’S
LONE WOLF BANH MI
LONE WOLF BANH MI
FINALISTS: East Village Bohemian Pizzeria, Hideaway Pizza
FINALISTS: Golden Gate, Pei Wei
FINALISTS: Korean Garden, Gogi Gui
FINALISTS: Pho Nhi Vietnamese Noodle House, Ri Le’s
BEST ITALIAN
BEST MEXICAN
BEST VIEW
MONDO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO
EL TEQUILA
THE PENTHOUSE BAR AT THE MAYO HOTEL
HIDEAWAY PIZZA FINALISTS: Andolini’s Pizzeria, Pie Hole Pizzeria
BEST SEAFOOD
WHITE RIVER FISH MARKET FINALISTS: Bodean Restaurant & Market, Yokozuna
FINALISTS: Dalesandro’s, Ti Amo
BEST JAPANESE/SUSHI
YOKOZUNA FINALISTS: In the Raw, Osaka
FINALISTS: El Guapo’s Cantina, El Rio Verde
FINALISTS: Blue Rose Café, El Guapo’s Cantina
BEST THAI
LANNA THAI
BEST BARBECUE
FINALISTS: KEO Asian Cuisine, My Thai Kitchen
BEST FAMILY DINING HIDEAWAY PIZZA
BURN CO BARBECUE FINALISTS: Albert G’s Bar-B-Q, Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Cue
FINALISTS: The Brook Restaurant & Bar, Charleston’s
BEST STEAK Bull in the Alley
BEST DINER Dilly Diner
FINALISTS: Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, SMOKE. on Cherry Street
FINALISTS: Brookside By Day, Tally’s Good Food Cafe
Look for the green doors and the titular trinket in the titular alley to find our readers’ vote for best steak in Tulsa. The alley is behind The Tavern, with which the Bull shares a kitchen. The fixtures and dress of the place are beyond opulent, and wandering through the innocuous emerald doors for a first time is like stepping into the ballroom scene from “The Shining.” The food ain’t cheap, but they do serve Miller High Life. The alley | bullinthealley.com
With décor of yore, food for modern tastes, and breakfast served all day, it’s clear why Dilly Diner takes this title. Their menu ranges from classics like griddle cakes and burgers to exciting entrées like Bananas Foster French toast (yes, please) and mac ‘n cheese carbonara. But even the simple items are diddied up: garlic and chipotle aiolis, homemade brioche, house-made pickles—plus a bakery case full of pies, cookies, cupcakes, what have you. Here’s brunch advice: Green eggs and ham and a coffee cocktail. 402 E. 2nd St. | dillydiner.com
BEST INDIAN India Palace FINALISTS: Desi Wok, Himalayas – Aroma of India
Tulsa doesn’t have a lot in the way of Indian food—an all-day buffet and a Pan-Asian restaurant form the bulk of our offerings—but everything we have is surprisingly great for a midsized Oklahoma city. India Palace offers a great lunch buffet, but the spot is certainly one to choose for a date. Beautiful tapestries and fixtures adorn the restaurant, and the dishes live up to the ambiance. Their menu is precisely what you would imagine from the best Indian restaurant in town, and they have what one New York television culinary chef told us is “the best rice pudding [he’d] ever had.” Their individual dishes are incredible, but the lunch buffet is always there for unadventurous eaters who need a wide selection to try—or overadventurous eaters who aren’t afraid to go four-plates. 6963 S. Lewis Ave. | theindiapalacetulsa.com BURN CO BARBECUE
LANNA THAI
BEST DELI Trenchers Delicatessen FINALISTS: Jason’s Deli, Lambrusco’z
Regulars of Trenchers Delicatessen give a common warning: If you’re going for lunch, get there early. The crowd that bustles into Trenchers throughout the day is a testament to the food’s exceptional taste. But one look at the sandwiches—from the Dutch Crunch (a micro-green-and-avocado-stuffed turkey sandwich) to the chicken swizzle (a garlic-marinated and cucumber pickle-topped grilled chicken flatbread)—makes even the most skeptical deli-goer a believer. 2602 S. Harvard Ave. | facebook.com/trenchersdeli INDIA PALACE
DILLY DINER
BURN CO, LANNA THAI: MICHELLE POLLARD; INDIA PALACE: GREG BOLLINGER; DILLY DINER: ANNA BENNETT
BEST TAKEOUT PIZZA
Ando _1-2pg_TVoice_BoT2018_March28_press.pdf
1
3/26/18
8:53 AM
Voted Best Thai Cuisine. Thank you, Tulsa!
THANK YOU TULSA
Experience Bold, Authentic Thai Flavors…
Winner: Best Pizza Top 3 Best Food Truck Top 3 Best Carry Out
Tulsa, Cherry Street | Tulsa, Downtown Jenks | Broken Arrow | Owasso
7227 S. MEMORIAL • 918.249.5262 • LANNATHAITULSA.COM • FIND US ON
Andopizza.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
PIZZA COCKTAILS
Gastropub focused on Craft Beer, with a full menu serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch on historic Cherry Street.
1551 E 15th St, #101 (918) 591-2888 • rooseveltstulsa.com
Best New Bar
& Top 3 Best New Restaurant, Best Patio, Best Beer Selection!
BEER
STG Gelateria
Downtown Broken Arrow NEW: On Cherry Street in Tulsa
GELATO ESPRESSO FRESH PASTA STGItalian.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
THANK YOU!
Voted Best Sandwich OPEN LATE-NIGHT ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY UNTIL 4AM
1305 S. Peoria • 918-382-7428 • phatphillys.com BEST OF TULSA 2018 9
BLUE ROSE CAFE
VALKYRIE
BEST PATIO
BEST COCKTAILS
BEST WINE LIST
BLUE ROSE CAFE
VALKYRIE
VINTAGE 1740
FINALISTS: El Guapo’s Cantina, Roosevelt’s
FINALISTS: Cosmo Cafe, Hodges Bend
FINALISTS: Polo Grill, The Wine Loft
BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE BIG GAME
BEST BREWERY
BEST BAR FOR SMOKERS
ELGIN PARK
MARSHALL BREWING COMPANY
ARNIE’S BAR
FINALISTS: Bricktown Brewery, Fassler Hall
FINALISTS: Cabin Boys Brewery, Prairie Artisan Ales
BEST LGBT BAR/CLUB CLUB MAJESTIC
FINALISTS: Caz’s Pub, The Yeti
FINALISTS: Soundpony, Yellow Brick Road
ROOSEVELT’S
BEST VEGETARIAN/HEALTH FOOD
BEST BARTENDER
Chimera Cafe
Aaron Post – Valkyrie
FINALISTS: Big Al’s Healthy Foods, Zoës Kitchen
FINALISTS: Gavin Hatcher – Saturn Room, Lynn Robertson – The Starlite
Half of Chimera’s menu includes vegan/vegetarian-friendly options, and many of their items can be made gluten-free. Open from breakfast to late-night in the Tulsa Arts District, this health-conscious café and bar depends on partnerships with local farms like Dry Creek Refuge, 413 Farm, West O’ Main, Lomah Dairy, and Fisher’s Eggs. Chimera is also serious about coffee— they offer beans from local and established roasters, as well as six different brew methods, including Nitro, which is served cold and without ice. Their inventive cocktails flaunt house-made syrups and fresh juices, and their taps are always rotating beer options. And their sandwiches are as packed as their salads are stacked (the delicious kale-based Lily’s Special Salad is topped with smoky hummus, avocado, cashew cheese, and adzuki strips, which are a hearty and flavorful vegetarian alternative to bacon). 212 N. Main St. | chimeratulsa.com
Though Valkyrie owner Aaron Post is busy getting a new Blue Dome District bar in order, he has been known to get behind the bar at Valkyrie now and again. “I built Valkyrie so we could have a place to have world-class cocktails in a fun-loving environment,” he said. “Our mantra is ‘playfully serving serious drinks.’” Post’s favorite cocktail depends on the day, though lately he calls a Boulevardier his go-to. But if he ordered a drink using Valkyrie’s three-word choose-your-own-adventure option? “Bitter, strong, innovative,” he said. Valkyrie expanded their spirit library in May 2017, adding shelves and a dreamy rolling ladder system. “We opened with 80 spirits and liqueurs in 2012, and we added shelves because I started collecting rare and harder-to-find spirits,” Post said. Now, Valkyrie has about 680 and counting. “It’s a fun project.” 13 E. M.B. Brady St. | valkyrietulsa.com
BEST NEW BAR ROOSEVELT’S
FINALISTS: Cabin Boys Brewery, The Starlite
PHOTOS BY MICHELLE POLLARD; AARON POST: GREG BOLLINGER
MARSHALL BREWING COMPANY
Thank You TULSA! East of Harvard on 31st St.
918.747.1171
The Wine Capital of Tulsa for Over 40 Years
Voted Best Wine List Thank you, Tulsa! Open MOnday - Saturday 3:00pM tO ClOSe 1740 SOuth BOStOn avenue • 918.582.0700 • vintage1740.COM
BEST OF TULSA 2018 11
ELGIN PARK TRENCHER’S DELI
BEST BURGER
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN/MEDITERRANEAN
Fat Guy’s Burger Bar
Laffa Medi-Eastern Restaurant & Bar
FINALISTS: Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili, The Tavern
FINALISTS: Papa Ganouj, Zoës Kitchen
In a city of great burgers, the Fat Guy’s burger customization is unmatched. Each of us has unique tastes and preferences, and Fat Guy’s embraces the personal touch, celebrating all that a burger can be. With nearly twenty toppings available at no extra charge, you’re free to create the burger of your dreams, whether that means playing it safe with the usual suspects or swinging for the fences with (for example) a jalapeño relish/green chiles/grilled pineapple pizza burger. In opening the door to such variety, Fat Guy’s burgers are seasoned with the spice of life. 140 N. Greenwood Ave., 7945 S. Memorial Dr., and 1009 N. Elm St., Broken Arrow | fatguysburgers.com
BEST LIQUOR STORE PARKHILL’S WAREHOUSE LIQUORS & WINES FINALISTS: Deep Discount Wine & Liquor, Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits
BEST RESTAURANT FOR LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS
Elote Cafe & Catering FINALISTS: Bramble Breakfast & Bar, Chimera Cafe
TORCHY’S TACOS
Opened in 2008, Elote was the first Tulsa restaurant to recycle, compost, and use biodegradable takeaway containers. The restaurant has proven a dedication to sustainability and local foods, proudly partnering with such vendors as Greenwood Farm, Highland Dairy, Pancho Anaya Panaderia, Lucy’s Tortillas, J-M Farms, Cheatwood’s Honey, Thirst Wines, Marshall Brewing Company, Prairie Artisan Ales, Coop Ale Works, R&G Family Grocers, Eden Veggies, and others. Elote offers a mix of classic Mexican fare and newer takes, like quinoa or jackfruit tacos. 514 S. Boston Ave. | elotetulsa.com
BEST DIVE BAR Soundpony FINALISTS: Arnie’s Bar, Mercury Lounge
An argument could be made that Tulsa’s best dive is actually Club Sidewalk. There’s always a post-2 a.m. gathering outside Soundpony, where revelers linger in a last-ditch effort to keep the party rolling. It’s equally a place of hope and of lament. But Club Sidewalk doesn’t serve drinks. And Soundpony has hot dogs. 409 N. Main St. | thesoundpony.com
BEST BREAKFAST Brookside By Day FINALISTS: Dilly Diner, Tally’s Good Food Cafe
Whether you’re off to an early start or nursing the self-inflicted wounds from a few hours earlier and a few blocks up the road, Brookside By Day has you covered. For those in the latter camp, an Angel Fire Burrito or Fred’s Country Benny—both served with T-Town’s most beloved home fries—might not only save your life, but also your soul. And since the addition of a bar a few years back, that salvation can also come with the requisite dose of hair of the dog. 3313 S. Peoria Ave. | brooksidebyday.com
BEST NEW RESTAURANT Torchy’s Tacos FINALISTS: Amelia’s Wood Fired Kitchen, Roosevelt’s
Though new to Tulsa, your choice for Best New Restaurant has been around since 2006, when it began as a single trailer in Austin. Years of experimentation and recipe tweaks have resulted in staples like carnitas and beef barbacoa sharing menu space with less common—though no less delicious—taco fillings like blackened salmon and fried chicken. Now, Tulsa’s Torchy’s is one of nearly 60 locations across Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Viva la revolución. 3330 S. Peoria Ave. | torchystacos.com
PHOTOS BY MICHELLE POLLARD
BROOKSIDE BY DAY
The chefs at Laffa know the food might be a little foreign to Oklahomans, so they suggest going on this culinary adventure with friends. Share an appetizer—tabouli or harissa carrot salad, a Greek dip or West African hummus—before moving on to choose an entrée, something like dhofar lamb for meat-lovers, or mujadarra for vegans. You might struggle to pronounce your orders the first time around, but don’t worry—the wait-staff and bartenders are more than happy to help with recommendations. 111 N. Main St. | laffatulsa.com
VOTED BEST FARMERS MARKET & BEST PLACE TO SHOP GREEN!
BEST OF TULSA EDITOR’S PICK: “Best Potential — NOLA’s Creole & Cocktails On Cherry Street. Seriously. We can’t wait.”
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN/ MEDITERRANEAN
OPENING MONDAY, APRIL 9TH! Bringing the great tastes of New Orleans to Cherry Street.
111 N. MAIN ST. • 918.728.3147 LAFFATULSA.COM
3334 S. PEORIA AVE. • 918.933.4 848 COSMO-CAFE.COM
1334 East 15th Street • 918-779-7766 NolasTulsa.com
Top 3 Best Cocktails
You know who's the best? You are. You're the best. It's true.
BEST OF TULSA 2018 13
LIVING ARTS
BEST VISUAL ARTIST
BEST PUBLIC ART
Sarah Sullivan
First Friday Art Crawl
FINALISTS: Tyler Thrasher, Chris Mantle
FINALISTS: Día de los Muertos Murals, Woody Guthrie Center Mural
One of the many draws in the Arts District is the First Friday Art Crawl. Participating cafés, shops, galleries, and bars feature a wide range of local art the first Friday of every month, and many complement their impromptu galleries with live music performances. The First Friday Annual Portrait Show (this year held on May 5), located in the alley behind The Tavern and Prairie Brewpub, features portraits of Tulsans by total strangers and is especially popular. Tulsa Arts District | thetulsaartsdistrict.org/ first-friday-art-crawl
Sarah Sullivan wants to make your dreams come true. Specifically, your dreams of cuddling with confetti and making geometry “all shapes, no math.” Her art, branded under Sullystring, takes the forms of wall hangings, pillows, paintings, murals, and placemats. You might recognize her colorful, whimsical work from the outer walls of the Gateway building (home of Habit Mural Festival and First Street Flea), the entryway at The First Ward hair studio, Philbrook Museum of Art’s gift shop, Domino magazine’s December 2017 issue, and this Best of Tulsa cover. Sullystring is poppin’! sullystring.com
BEST KARAOKE THE WAREHOUSE BAR & GRILL FINALISTS: Elote Cafe & Catering, The Starlite BEST GALLERY
BEST OPEN MIC
LIVING ARTS
THE GYPSY COFFEE HOUSE
FINALISTS: Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa Hardesty Arts Center, Tulsa Artists’ Coalition Gallery
FINALISTS: The Colony, The Fur Shop
BEST PERFORMING ARTS SPACE
TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER FINALISTS: Guthrie Green, Living Arts
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT STARSHIP RECORDS & TAPES TRIVIA WITH JACK AT SOUNDPONY
BEST MUSEUM
PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART
TRIVIA WITH JACK AT SOUNDPONY
FINALISTS: Gilcrease Museum, Woody Guthrie Center
FINALISTS: Fuel 66 Tulsa, Saturn Room
BEST RECORD STORE
BEST COMEDY NIGHT
STARSHIP RECORDS & TAPES FINALISTS: Josey Records, Spinster Records
THE LOONY BIN FINALISTS: The Fur Shop, Soundpony Comedy Hour
BEST MOVIE THEATER
WARREN BROKEN ARROW 18 FINALISTS: AMC Southroads 20, Circle Cinema
BEST SMALL MUSIC VENUE
THE VANGUARD FINALISTS: The Colony, Soundpony
LIVING ARTS, STARSHIP, FIRST FRIDAY: VALERIE GRANT; PHILBROOK, TRIVIA, SARAH SULLIVAN: GREG BOLLINGER
PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART
/TULSAAWARDSFORTHEATREEXCELLENCE
THANK YOU TULSA!
102 EAST M.B. BRADY ST. 918-574-2710 WOODYGUTHRIECENTER.ORG
Best Museum Thank you, Voice Readers!
BEST OF TULSA 2018 15
TULSA BALLET
BEST CASINO Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
FINALISTS: Theatre Tulsa, Tulsa Symphony
Quantifying “Best Casino” is a little tricky. Does it mean loosest slots, best free soft drink stations, or most confusing carpet patterns? In the case of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, it could mean all three … but they certainly get a leg up with their concerts and celebrity guests. The likes of ZZ Top and Elvira have stopped by in the past, and upcoming events include the Cherokee musical Nanyehi and Jay Leno and his big-ass chin. 777 W. Cherokee St., Catoosa | hardrockcasinotulsa.com
Tulsa Ballet is a not-for-profit professional ballet company that has blended contemporary and classical dance for Oklahomans every year since 1956. Today the organization maintains its determination to bring world-class ballet to the Midwest heartland. Artistic Director Marcello Angelini has been widely recognized for his creative innovation and international influence—in February this year, Tulsa Ballet brought the U.S. premiere of “Strictly Gershwin,” the company’s largest production to date, requiring at least 38 dancers, four singers, and roughly 50 musicians. 1212 E. 45th Pl. | tulsaballet.org
BEST PODCAST The Sound of Tulsa FINALISTS: From a Basement in Tulsa, Opinions Like A-Holes
The Tulsa podcasting scene is reaching critical mass, with everybody and their mother, and their mother’s mother, seeming to spend weekly time behind the mic. We believe Mayor Bynum issued a decree that every standup comic must have at least three podcasts in development at all times. Our readers zeroed in on The Sound of Tulsa as their favorite podcast. The weekly ‘cast features in-depth interviews from Tulsa’s historically rich, currently booming music scene. soundcloud.com/thesoundoftulsa
FINALISTS: Osage Casino Tulsa, River Spirit Casino Resort
BEST LOCAL ALBUM Big Bad Luv by John Moreland FINALISTS: Red Dirt Improvisations – Dean DeMerritt, Zunis – Zunis
On his third album, Moreland explores new directions in both sound and songwriting. The cathartic melancholy he’s known for is still present, but it’s joined by the wisdom that comes with going through the ringer and coming out on the other side, an appreciation for perspective gained through tough times, and hope that the lessons learned can carry us through trials ahead. On the album’s penultimate track, Moreland sings, “Don’t let me turn to dust to turn a phrase/Could you help me wash these years off of my face?/‘Cause they don’t suit me, babe, like before.” John Moreland is looking forward. johnmoreland.net
BEST PLACE FOR LIVE LOCAL MUSIC
BEST ALL-AGES VENUE
BEST LARGE MUSIC VENUE
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
FINALISTS: Guthrie Green, The Colony
FINALISTS: BOK Center, Guthrie Green
FINALISTS: BOK Center, Brady Theater
FINALISTS: Club Majestic, Soundpony
PHOTOGRAPHER VALERIE GRANT LINDE OKTOBERFEST
BEST PARTY OF THE YEAR
CRY BABY HILL FINALISTS: Linde Oktoberfest, St. Patrick’s Day Block Party in the Blue Dome District
BEST FREE ENTERTAINMENT
GUTHRIE GREEN FINALISTS: First Friday Art Crawl in The Tulsa Arts District, Soundpony
BEST NIGHT CLUB
SOUNDPONY
FINALISTS: Club Majestic, The Unicorn Club
BEST ANNUAL FESTIVAL BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
VALERIE GRANT
FINALISTS: Western Doughty, Jeremy Charles
LINDE OKTOBERFEST FINALISTS: Blue Dome Arts Festival, Mayfest
TULSA BALLET, OKTOBERFEST: COURTESY; CRY BABY HILL: DAVID LACKEY; VALERIE GRANT: MOLLY THRASHER; CAIN’S: JOSEPH RUSHMORE
CRY BABY HILL
BEST PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY Tulsa Ballet
GOOD FOOD • GOOD DRINKS • GREAT COMEDY
THANK YOU TULSA!
Wing Therapy Wednesdays $16.95 for endless wings and your ticket
BEST
COMEDY NIGHT!
6808 S. Memorial Ste. 234 • 918-392-5653 tulsa.loonybincomedy.com
To the Best in Tulsa’s Arts and Culture!
TULSA’S UNITED ARTS FUND WHERE ONE GIFT SUPPORTS THE MANY.
108 Contemporary • A Pocket Full of Hope • The bART Center for Music • Chamber Music Tulsa • Circle Cinema • Clark Youth Theatre • Fab Lab Tulsa • Gilcrease Museum • Greenwood Cultural Center • Harmony Project Tulsa • Heller Theatre Company • Latimer-Cooksey Arts & Cultural Foundation • Living Arts of Tulsa, Inc. • Midwest Harp Academy, Inc. • MUSED. • Northeastern Oklahoma Wood Turners Association • Oklahoma Performing Arts, Inc. • Philbrook Museum of Art • The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, Inc. • South Asian Performance Arts Foundation • South Tulsa Children’s Ballet • Theatre North • Theatre Pops, Inc. • Theatre Tulsa • Tulsa Artists’ Coalition • Tulsa Ballet • Tulsa Botanic Garden • Tulsa Camerata, Inc. • Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab • Tulsa Girls Art School • Tulsa Glassblowing School • Tulsa Historical Society & Museum • Tulsa Opera • Tulsa Oratorio Chorus • Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust • Tulsa Project Theatre • Tulsa Symphony Orchestra • Tulsa Youth Symphony • WaterWorks Advisory Council • Woody Guthrie Center, Inc. Help support all these organizations with one gift! Text “Tulsa” to 50555 and a one time charge of $10 is added to your phone bill. Or visit artstulsa.org!
BEST OF TULSA 2018 17
RIVER PARKS
BEST LOCAL GIFT
BEST CLOTHING STORE
Ida Red
Goodwill
FINALISTS: The Boxyard, Dwelling Spaces
FINALISTS: Dillard’s, Urban Outfitters
For ten years, Ida Red has filled a niche in Tulsa’s gift-giving heart—or at least in owner Angelene Wright’s. After moving from manager to owner, Wright adopted an ambitious goal: making products she wanted but couldn’t find. Tulsa t-shirts, mugs, and even snow-globes can be found on the shelves, but souvenirs and city merch are just part of what’s for sale. Ida Red is designed to be family-friendly and holds a wide appeal in selection and price. “Fun stuff,” Wright said. “Toys, things that make people happy, that’s what I’m in the business of.” In execution, that means anything from Golden Driller plushies to bacon-scented soap. At the Tulsa Arts District location you’ll find more ephemeral joy in the forms of strawberry sundaes, chocolate milkshakes, root-beer floats, and old-fashioned candy. 3336 S. Peoria Ave. and 208 A N. Main St. | idaredgeneralstore.com
Who needs a trip to the mall when you can stock up on vintage Michael Jordan tees, fanny packs, and tie-dye raincoats at the same place you get your used Left Behind hardbacks? Thrift stores have been the cornerstone of alt-fashion for years. Garage rockers, second-hand-hype-beasts, and all manner of weirdos shape our current fabric zeitgeist, and they do it largely from the racks of consignment stores. Goodwill is the Metallica of thrift. Even if you don’t need a Big Johnson shirt, you’ll find donation box stations all over town for people to drop their no-longer-wanteds. It’s not just contrarian fashionistas searching the racks, after all, but also smart families on a shoestring budget who won’t pay full price for something that’ll hit these aisles in a year’s time. Various locations | goodwilltulsa.org
BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS DOWNTOWN TULSA FINALISTS: Philbrook Museum of Art, The Tulsa Arts District
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
RETRO DEN FINALISTS: River City Trading Post, Vintage Vault
BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE TULSA RUN DOWNTOWN TULSA
CHEAP THRILLS FINALISTS: Goodwill, Vintage Vault
BEST PLACE TO SHOP GREEN
CHERRY STREET FARMERS MARKET FINALISTS: Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s
BEST PLACE TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW
BEST RUNNING/CYCLING/ ATHLETIC STORE
TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY
FLEET FEET SPORTS
FINALISTS: Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa Community College
FINALISTS: Lululemon, Tom’s Bicycles
BEST PICNIC SPOT
WOODWARD PARK FINALISTS: Guthrie Green, River Parks
BEST PLACE FOR CYCLING
RIVER PARKS FINALISTS: Cry Baby Hill, Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area
BEST FOOT RACE/RUN
TULSA RUN FINALISTS: The Color Run, McNellie’s Pub Run
BEST HEALTH/FITNESS CENTER
YMCA FINALISTS: St. John’s Siegfried Health Club, Sky Fitness
RETRO DEN: MICHELLE POLLARD; RIVER PARKS, TULSA RUN, IDA RED: COURTESY; DOWNTOWN, GOODWILL: GREG BOLLINGER
RETRO DEN
THANK YOU, TULSA!
Find your fit. Find your family.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL DOWNTOWN WINNERS & FINALISTS! 51
Voted Best Patio
3 Locations in the Tulsa area to serve you!
& Top 3 Best View in Tulsa! Follow us: Bluerosetulsa
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1924 Riverside Drive 918-582-4600 bluerosecafetulsa.com
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TULSA SYMPHONY
2017-2018 S E A S O N T W E LV E
Pops Series
VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY: SPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER featuring space images from NASA
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2018 | 7:30 PM T U L SA P E R FO R M I N G A RT S C E N T E R Music from the Star Trek Enterprise WILLIAMS: Star Wars HOLST: The Planets Ron Spigelman, Guest Conductor * Pre-Concert Conversation | 6:30 PM * Pre-Concert Student Recognition Concert | 6:45 PM * Post-Concert Reception – All Welcome * Childcare Available
For Tickets, Call 918.596.7111 or www.tulsasymphony.org
BEST OF TULSA 2018 19
BEST PLACE TO STRIKE A (YOGA) POSE FINALISTS: Be Love Yoga Studio, SALT Yoga
BEST TATTOO ARTIST Kris “Squiggy” Snead
Black Gold Tattoos & Piercings FINALISTS: Dustin Charles – Pen and Ink Tattoo, Kasey Wolfenkoehler – Mi Familia Tattoo
BEST PUBLIC PARK
WOODWARD PARK FINALISTS: Guthrie Green, River Parks
BEST PLACE TO HIKE
TURKEY MOUNTAIN URBAN WILDERNESS AREA FINALISTS: Chandler Park, Redbud Valley Nature Preserve
When he’s not playing drums in street punk band The Stiffies, Kris “Squiggy” Snead is permanently scarring Tulsan skin at Black Gold Tattoos & Piercings. Traditional style tattoos—your dice, lucky 13s, and nautical stars—routinely flow from his machine, but he’s made a solid name for himself with his incredibly detailed, photo-realistic portraits. Just like you should never trust a skinny chef, you should never trust a tattoo artist without ink on his hands. Squiggy’s knuckles, and his portfolio, should put you at ease. Black Gold Tattoo & Piercing, 3415 E. 11th St. | squiggytattoo.com
BEST BULLSHIT CALLER Blake Ewing
BEST PLACE TO GO WITH YOUR DOG
TURKEY MOUNTAIN URBAN WILDERNESS AREA FINALISTS: Biscuit Acres Dog Park, River Parks
FINALISTS: Western Doughty, John Waldron
Blake Ewing is the only bullshit caller on the list of nominees to have his bullshit routinely called by other nominees. He’s also the only bullshit caller on the list of nominees to have his bullshit texts publicly printed by a Pulitzer Prize finalist who nearly received the award for her bullshit calling and suing of the state for execution records. Ewing is a Tulsa City Councilman, though he is not seeking reelection.
BEST HOTEL The Mayo Hotel FINALISTS: Ambassador Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
This downtown hotel building is well near a century old, though its luxuries are pleasantly modern. After a $42 million-dollar renovation, The Mayo ensured its spot as a prime location for events and elegant stays. Extravagant spenders can enjoy king-size suites and luxury apartments, and they can host events for up to 500 guests. The rest of us can visit The Boiler Room restaurant and bar or the rooftop Penthouse Bar, voted the best view in Tulsa. 115 W. 5th St. | themayohotel.com
BEST PLACE FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING Tulsa State Fair FINALISTS: Guthrie Green, Walmart
Enthusiasm. You’ll see it on the faces of nearly every person at the Fair. Enthusiasm for adventure is in the eyes of Mega Ride Pass-sporting thrill-seekers and culinary explorers seeking new sinful-yet-wholly-irresistible fried morsels. Enthusiasm for the throwback jam is in every rusty dance move at the Oklahoma Stage. Enthusiasm for glory at the rodeo. The incomparable awe and delight on audience faces during the high-jump competition segment in a stunt dogs show is life-affirming. Go to the Fair for people-watching, and you might just become a people too. 4145 E. 21st St. | tulsastatefair.com
BEST SALON
IHLOFF SALON AND DAY SPA FINALISTS: The First Ward, Raw Elements
BEST NONPROFIT GEORGE KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION
BEST TULSAN TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
G.T. BYNUM FINALISTS: 918 Plate, Steve Cluck
At a time when social media etiquette is woefully absent from our country’s leaders, GT Bynum is keeping it classy. Follow his Facebook or Twitter for a consistent stream of updates on how he’s working to improve our city—or to see him celebrating others with the same goal. Also voted Tulsa’s best politician, Bynum reminds us in ways big and small that he won by demonstrating respect and positivity at a time when mainstream politics couldn’t be bothered with either. Facebook: @gtbynumfortulsamayor, Twitter: @gtbynum
BEST POLITICIAN G.T. BYNUM FINALISTS: John Waldron, None 20 BEST OF TULSA 2018
FINALISTS: Domestic Violence Intervention Services, John 3:16 Mission
G.T. BYNUM: GREG BOLLINGER
GUTHRIE GREEN
THANK YOU TULSA! Voted Best LGBT Bar/Club Friday & S at u r d a y 6 p.m . to Midnigh t
TOP 3
Designated Stop (The Trolley can drop off or pick up anywhere within the designated route)
Designated Start Point (picks up at 6 p.m. and returns every 20-25 minutes)
Plan your night and follow the TROLLEY in real time on the Tracker at:
T U L S A’ S P R E M I E R E D A N C E C L U B
Best Night Club Best Place to Dance 124 N. Boston Ave 918-584-9494 clubmajestictulsa.com
The best of Tulsa: music, arts, dining, news, things to do and more. Come find out what ’s happening.
BEST NEW LOCAL RESTAURANT EDITOR’S PICK
WE’RE FIRED UP! THANK YOU!
Thank you, Tulsa!
Best Liquor Store Finalist 1303 EAST 15TH STREET 918-895-8725 | PRAIRIEFIREPIE.COM 4-11pm, Sun.-Wed; 4pm-1am, Thurs.-Sat.
918-622-7600 • 6525 E. 51st St. • Tulsa, OK 74145 BEST OF TULSA 2018 21
BEST POTENTIAL
NOLA’s Creole and Cocktails on Cherry Street. Seriously. We can’t wait. Runner-up: Kitchen 27 at Philbrook Museum of Art—recently revamped and now run by Chef James Shrader. BEST CAESAR SALAD
Fried Brussels Sprout Caesar at Amelia’s. Holy shit. OTHER BEST CHINESE
Mandarin Taste. (With Golden Gate nabbing best classic American Chinese food and Sezchuan Express for drive-thru.) OTHER BEST TACO
Pollo Asados al Carbon. Add the green sauce. And we’d like to give a special nod to El Burrito as TTV’s “official business” lunch spot. OTHER BEST BURGER
TTV staff cannot agree. Claud’s Hamburgers, Bill’s Jumbo Burgers, Ty’s Hamburgers, and Freddies Hamburgers are our leading favs. OTHER BEST NEW BAR
BEST SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM THAT WE DIDN’T KNOW WAS MISSING FROM OUR LIVES
Rotating flavors (á la whiskey cream, blue birthday cake, purple charcoal, dreamsicle, butterscotch, and tiramisu) at Lone Wolf’s downtown location BEST NEW TIKI COCKTAIL
The Lady Door at Oren—banana and rum and Cachaça, oh my. BEST CONDIMENT
Baby D’s Bee Sting, providing five small-batch hot sauces with temps ranging from lip sweat to regret. Order at babydsbeesting.com and get stung. BEST PLACE THAT MAKES US WISH WE LIVED FARTHER SOUTH
Levain Kitchen & Bakery BEST USE OF THE FORMER MAXXWELLS SPACE
Jane’s Delicatessen. Can you say “breakfast baby Reuben sandwich”?
BEST TULSA-ITALY CONNECTION
Tulsa Artist Fellow Rachel Hayes’s collaboration with high-end Italian fashion powerhouse Missoni on their 2018 spring/summer collection. See more at rachelbhayes.com and missoni.com. Go Rachel! BEST LOCAL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
BEST SHOP FOR OBSCURE ITEMS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU WANTED
Good Mischief BEST SHOP FOR WICKER FURNITURE, BRASS STUFF, AND CRYSTALS
Jo & June BEST LUNCH BREAK
It’s impossible to pick just one. Here are some of our favs: @thisistulsa, @saisie, @spicydadrockmemes, @nategraceland, @pearljunior, and @no_jackson.
30-minute seated massage at Sole Massage. Pro-tip: add an essential oil for a sensory upgrade.
BEST FAMILY NIGHT WITH AN INFLATABLE APPLIANCE RACE
BEST SAME-DAY CLEANERS
Tulsa Drillers game BEST PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY BRINGING “HAMILTON”
Celebrity Attractions BEST MISSPELLED ANSWER IN THE BOT NOMINATIONS
The Starlite
BEST ACTIVIST GROUP
BEST NEW LOCAL RESTAURANT
New Sanctuary Network of Tulsa, working to end the wholesale deportation of undocumented people from our community
Be Okay Center
BEST ART COLLECTIVE
BEST BUTTON COMPANY
The Umbrella Button Phoenix Cleaners BEST INTERSECTION FOR CARS TO SLOW THE F*** DOWN AND STOP RUNNING INTO A NEARBY RESTAURANT
15th Street and Peoria Avenue (We love you, Palace Café.) BEST DEFUNCT LANDMARK
The giant Liquid Life bottle on I-44
BEST 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
BEST CONSTRUCTION ZONE
The BOK Center. Congrats!
All of Tulsa; progress as promised
Holy Mother Collective
BEST TULSA COMEDIAN NOT IN TULSA
BEST TRAFFICKED STORY ON THETULSAVOICE.COM
BEST DINING EXPERIENCE
BEST DRAG SHOW
Marcia Belsky. Follow her on Facebook (her sworn enemy) right now.
“Casa Bonita reborn” from Dec. 2016. We cannot figure out why.
The Tavern Chef’s Table
Bamboo Lounge—especially if preceded by a comedy show. Get your dollar bills ready.
BEST POOL
BEST ONE-STAR REVIEW OF TTV ON FACEBOOK
Prairie Fire Pie. Half-price, half-size pies for happy hour. Woodfired pizza and fun fancy cocktails. (They do have $4 beer.)
BEST BUILD-YOUR-OWN SUSHI-IN-A-BOWL
Poke Bowl Love
SECOND BEST DRAG SHOW
BEST LAKEFOOD
Midnight drag races at Osage Casino’s Tulsa Raceway Park
Crawpappy’s. We’re teasing. They have a great crawfish étouffée!
BEST FUTURE PARK
BEST NEW DONUTS
The Donut Hole on Brookside
Gathering Place. Get here already.
River Spirit Casino Resort pool, replete with a swim-up bar, poolside dining and beverage service, views of the oh-so-something Arkansas River, and no kids BEST PLACE TO RENT AN ELECTRIC SCOOTER AND SEE AN AFRICAN PENGUIN, MALAYAN TIGER, CHINESE ALLIGATOR, AND CALIFORNIA SEA LION
The Tulsa Zoo 22 BEST OF TULSA 2018
“I remember when Urban Tulsa was nothing but food/music reviews & advertisements for strip clubs. Now it’s just social justice smut.” BEST FIVE-STAR REVIEW OF TTV ON FACEBOOK
“Excellent! All you haters don’t have to read it; you would shout down anyone with an opinion you don’t hold. It is free! What would please you, a refund?” a
Thank You!
For Once Again Honoring Us with Your Vote BEST OF TULSA 2018
Best Chicken Fried Steak
15TH & ATLANTA Serving Tulsa Since 1987
49TH & YALE www.broshouligan.com
Thank you for voting us Best Casino and Top 3 for Best Hotel! At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, you can do it all. Rock the roof off at The Joint: Tulsa, make a huge splash in our resort-style pool, and relax in one of our rooms or suites. Enjoy the delicious fare at any of our various restaurants or play one of the over 2,400 games on our massive casino floor. Any gamer is sure to find a new favorite or enjoy an old classic. You should be here. I-44 Exit 240 | 800.760.6700 | HARDROCKCASINOTULSA.COM
Know your limits. Gambling problem? Call 800.522.4700.